Sabrina Ionescu Makes Her Opinion of Caitlin Clark Crystal Clear

Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty find themselves in a 1-0 hole after a 95-93 Game 1 loss in overtime against the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals.

The game went down to the wire as Lynx star Napheesa Collier hit the go-ahead shot with 8.1 seconds remaining. Breanna Stewart missed the potential game-tying layup as time expired, giving Minnesota the win.

ESPN revealed a day later that this was the most-watched Game 1 in the WNBA Finals ever. And a good one at that.

Although she wasn't playing, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has a lot to do with this. The star attracted so much attention to the league during her first year, giving more viewers to the rest of the league in the process. Also known as "the Caitlin Clark Effect."

Amid the WNBA Finals, Ionescu joined MARCA for an interview. She discussed the impact Clark and other WNBA rookies have had.

"Obviously, Caitlin's ability to come in transition quickly," Ionescu said. "It's been great to see how great she's been in this league... Everyone has had such a huge role. From Angel to Caitlin and Cameron Brink. There's just so many rookies in this class that have impressed us."

Clark was the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft back in April. After a slow start that saw the Fever sitting at 1-8, Clark helped Indiana go 19-12 the rest of the way, securing their first playoff spot since 2016. Along the way, Clark drew record crowds and viewership in what seemed to be every game.

Ionescu, like Clark, was the No. 1 pick in the 2020 WNBA draft. The former Oregon Ducks standout is playing in her second-straight WNBA Finals. In last season's finale, the Las Vegas Aces beat the Liberty in four games. Ionescu and company find themselves in the same situation this year, down 0-1.

Related: Former Iowa Star Gabbie Marshall Fires Back at Caitlin Clark